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Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Synthetic Jacket

Posted by Mark Richardson on Dec 06, 2023

There are basically three types of synthetic insulation used in outdoor jackets: 1. Sheet Insulation – Fibres are woven into a ‘mat’ structure and this is used to fill the jacket, this is the ‘traditional’ way of doing this and provides excellent warmth to weight and is pretty durable. 2. Loose Fill Insulation – This is where synthetic fibres are ‘loose’, like dow …
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Alpine 850 Down Hoodie Review - “High-performance winter insulation piece, offering a blend of warmth and functionality”

Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 15, 2023

I have to admit that this review is a tad late. In my defence, I was waiting for some appropriately cold weather to test the jacket; thankfully, November has arrived and brought some wintry conditions. Montane has brought two new down jackets to the market this season: the Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie, and the jacket I have been testing, the Alpine 850 Down Hoodie. The lat …
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Montbell Storm Cruiser Jacket Review - “It strikes the perfect balance of great features, lightweight and durability”

Posted by Danny Pearson on Nov 06, 2023

Picking a waterproof shell jacket can make your head spin. The lightest jackets will be ideal to keep pack weight at a minimum, but how will they hold up when used under a backpacking rucksack with several days of food? This was the conundrum when deciding on a jacket to use for the TGO Challenge. It needed to offer dependable protection for a crossing of the mountains of Scotland in M …
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Knowledgebase Page - Choosing a Shell Jacket

Oct 11, 2023

If you want a jacket to keep you dry when running, this will be a very different jacket to one suitable for backpacking or trekking. Waterproofs designed for RUNNING will be very lightweight so that they won't slow you down. It needs to pack very small so you can carry it when you don't need it, and the best examples will be highly breathable. Also consider a smock to save weight. A Bac …
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Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine Light Jacket Review - “There is no better stand-alone outer layer when the wind whips around you on a cold, crisp mountain day.”

Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 04, 2023

I love September; moving from summer to autumn is always my favourite time. The change in weather means it's the perfect time to get out hiking and to test out some of this year's new Autumn and Winter range. One of the first pieces I was keen to get my hands on was Rab’s latest incarnation of the Vapour Rise Alpine Light Jacket, which has always been a stand-out piece in Rab's ran …
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Rab Vapour-Rise Technology Explained

Oct 02, 2023

The Vapour-Rise™ system excels across the mountain, offering you all-in-one temperature regulation, moisture management, and protection from the elements. Its ability to maintain comfort in a range of conditions allows you to put-on and press-on. Our new versions remain true to Rab Carrington’s original vision: a wind-resistant jacket designed to be worn all day. They are crafted with a Perte …
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Rab Vapour Rise Summit Jacket Review - ''The lighter fabric still offers a high level of wind resistance and the breathability was excellent''

Posted by Jamie Mantle on Sep 27, 2023

The new Vapour Rise Summit Jacket is an update on the classic series that has been a constant fixture in the multisport jacket category for years. The reason for this is the high level of versatility it offers not just in the activities that you can use it for but also the conditions that you can use it in. Making it one of the first things you will want to pop into your bag whatever …
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Montane Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie Review - ''It is well made and offers leading edge warmth to weight ratio''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

When backpacking I want a very lightweight insulated windproof layer for daytime use and a down jacket for evening, with of course the flexibility to wear them both if it gets very cold. The insulation value I need for the down jacket depends on the temperatures I expect. I took the  Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie with me on a recent backpacking trip to the Scottish Highlands at the …
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Montane's New Season: Autumn Collection

Aug 24, 2023

We know plans can change in the mountains, just as the weather can. Our new season gear has adaptability built in, so you’ll be prepared, no matter whatever you encounter. Discover lightweight, breathable clothing and equipment that doesn’t compromise on protection. From protective waterproof jackets to warm, down jackets, technical fleeces and durable legwear – our technical layers are designed t …
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Montane Shell Ranges Explained

May 03, 2023

Incorporating reliable waterproof protection, breathable fabrics as well as lightweight, packable designs, Montane's waterproof jackets combine comfort with protection. In short, a Montane waterproof jacket helps you focus on breaking new boundaries, no matter what the weather throws at you. Browse Montane's range of waterproof jackets and choose from a range of options to find the waterproof …
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OMM Core Technology Explained

Apr 25, 2023

The OMM CORE Range is a new concept in active insulation made entirely from PRIMALOFT ACTIVE ultra-light insulating fabric. Built from a synthetic plume woven through a knitted mesh CORE offers the warmth of a fleece but with less than half the weight. Paired with a shell, the CORE is an incredibly effective insulator, but the lightest breeze can take away that heat thanks to near-total air perm …
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Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Insulated Hoodie Review - “This synthetic is the closest thing to down I have come across”

Posted by Andy Neil on Feb 13, 2023

Winter arrived early and was cold here in the UK, so I was incredibly grateful to be offered a chance to test out the SuperStrand LT Insulated Hoodie at the beginning of December. I've been using this jacket as my primary insulation for over three months now, not just in the hills but in my day-to-day life as well, and I'm a big fan of this lightweight synthetic jacket from American bra …
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